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Representation of Birmingham People

One hundred years ago on 6th February 1918, the Representation of the People Act was voted for, extending the vote to working class men and, for the first time, some women.

Throughout this year the Wellbeing Team will be working with People’s Heritage Co-operative to raise awareness of Birmingham’s significant role leading to this Act and further campaigning leading to full Universal Suffrage ten years on.

The Gathering of the Unions, 1832

MP Thomas Attwood, founder of the Birmingham Political Union held huge rallies, up to 200,000 in Birmingham leading to the growth of the Chartist movement following disappointment with the 1832 Reform Act which did little to advance voting rights for the working classes.

Northfield Suffragette outrageOne hundred years on we will look at our Birmingham History of representation and Fighting for the Right to vote and to be properly represented. On 6th February the Wellbeing Team and People’s Heritage Co-operative will be leading activities celebrating our history outside Council House and discussing representation of Birmingham People within the Council House with Councillors between 11am and 2pm. Please join us and take part in our quick survey to show your interest in our city and how our voice is heard in politics today.